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The Dream Is Alive
Front Cover Actor
David Leestma
George Nelson
Sally Ride
Walter Cronkite
James Van Hoften
Kathy Sullivan
Movie Details
Director Graeme Ferguson
Language English
Audience Rating NR (Not Rated)
Running Time 35 mins
Country USA
Color Color
Plot
The best of the initial series of "made in space" IMAX films, The Dream Is Alive is a wonderful introduction to space travel for young and old alike. The national shuttle program was only four years old when this 35-minute documentary was released in 1985, and the film emphasizes the differences between the shuttle and conventional rockets. The opening shot of a shuttle returning to the Earth like a plane is an unmistakable difference. We follow two flight crews through training, rehearsals, and (mostly) the flight. The crystal-clear images of Earth do not have the same impact that they do in a large-format IMAX theater, but they are still a wonder to behold, especially with the effective narration by Walter Cronkite--for many the voice of America's heyday in space. Director Graeme Ferguson keeps the film streamlined and never preachy (unlike the companion film, Blue Planet). With a big assist from Star Wars sound designer Ben Burtt, The Dream Is Alive builds excitement through footage that includes three electrifying launches. The film was released a year before the Challenger disaster, and played in rotation after the accident as an emotional pull to return to the heavens. On that note, the film delivers the message that despite the risks, our future is in space. (For ages 5 and older.) --Doug Thomas
Personal Details
Seen It Yes
Index 219
Collection Status In Collection
Links Amazon US
Product Details
Edition IMAX
Format DVD
Region Region 1
Screen Ratio 1.33:1
UPC (Barcode) 794051801722
Release Date 6/12/2001
Subtitles English; French; Portuguese; Spanish
Audio Tracks English Dolby Digital 5.1
French Dolby Digital 5.1
Nr of Disks/Tapes 1